Pomona set for California Bike Week

Foo Fighters and ZZ Top headline concert

By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Sep. 05, 2008

Jay Leno, ZZ Top and the Foo Fighters are the headliners for California Bike Week in Pomona, Calif., Oct. 24-26.

A joint endeavor of the Love Foundation and the Southern California Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, the second annual CBW will be held at the Pomona Fairplex. Organizers expect over 25,000 visitors to the three-day rally.

“We’re extremely excited about how 2008’s California Bike Week is shaping up,” says Rich Quaid, president of the Southern California Harley-Davidson Dealers Association. “It’s going to be even bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event and I believe we’re well on our way to establishing California Bike Week as the premiere West Coast biker rally. There will truly be something for every motorcycle enthusiast.”

The highlight of the 2008 CBW is the Silver Anniversary Love Ride 25 on Oct. 26. The fundraising ride, which has raised over $20 million since 1984, will be presided over once again by Grand Marshall and Tonight Show host Leno. Following the Love Ride is a concert at the Pomona Fairplex headlined by the Foo Fighters and ZZ Top. The minimum entry fee of $75 covers participation in the Love Ride, a barbecue meal and the concert.

CBW opens Oct. 24 with a hot-rod exhibition and a concert featuring the Los Angeles roots-rock group The Blasters and former Stray Cat, Lee Rocker. Tickets to the concert cost $15, but 2,500 free tickets are available at participating Harley-Davidson dealerships.

Legendary racer Gene Romero’s West Coast Flat Track Series’ Pacific Coast Nationals highlights the festivities on Oct. 25. Competitors will include the Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew and several past champions. Over 115 riders will compete in three classes, Open/Unlimited (750cc), Saddleman Vintage (for pre-1976 bikes and riders over 35) and Top Gun/Novice (450cc, riders over 16). Tickets for the flat track racing cost $30.

Running over all three days of the rally are a marketplace of over 250 venders, a Harley Village featuring vintage Harley-Davidson bikes and demo rides of 2009 models, manufacturers’ trade show displays and stunt riding exhibitions.